HC Deb 25 November 1981 vol 13 cc396-7W
33. Mr. Flannery

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make further investment available to British Railways in order to speed up completion of electrification schemes already under way.

Mr. David Howell

I refer the hon. Member to my reply earlier today to the hon. Members for Derby, South (Mr. Johnson) and Goole (Dr. Marshall).

34. Mr. Spriggs

asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to announce his decision on the British Railways Board submission for the Anglian rail electrification scheme.

Mr. David Howell

I have made it clear that the approval of electrification projects cannot be separated from the ability of the British Railways Board to generate resources to finance the investment. Improvements in productivity will play a large part in this.

Mr. Renton

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what progress he is making towards deciding on British Railways electrification plans.

Mr. Foulkes

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what progress has been made in the consideration of the main line electrification investment programme.

Mr. Stephen Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he anticipates making a decision on the East Anglian electrification proposals.

46. Mr. Booth

asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he will announce his decision on the application by British Railways for approval of the East Anglian electrification scheme.

55. Mr. Bagier

asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to announce his decision on the British Railways Board submission for the Anglian rail electrification scheme.

42. Mr. Stan Thorne

asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to announce his plans for further railway electrification investment.

Mr. David Howell

I am awaiting a response to my predecessor's statement of 22 June—[Vol. 7, c. 21–27.] The board has not yet submitted a 10-year programme of schemes; nor the new business plans for inter-city and freight.